Twisha Sharma Dowry Death Case Court Extends Custody as CBI Nears Chargesheet

A Bhopal court has extended the judicial custody of retired judge Giribala Singh and her son Samarth Singh until August 11, 2026, in the alleged dowry death case of model-turned-actress Twisha Sharma. The decision came after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) informed the court that its probe is in the final stages and sought additional time to complete procedural formalities.

Twisha Sharma was allegedly found hanging at her marital home in Bhopal on May 12, 2026. Following the incident, her husband, Samarth Singh, and mother-in-law, Giribala Singh, were arrested on allegations of dowry-related harassment, mental abuse, and domestic violence. Both accused appeared before the Bhopal District and Sessions Court via videoconference.

According to counsel Ankur Pandey, representing Twisha's family, the special court of Justice Ram Pratap Mishra directed the CBI to submit its final investigation report by August 11. The agency is also expected to file its chargesheet on the same day, making the upcoming hearing a crucial stage in the case. Earlier, on July 25, the court rejected Giribala Singh's bail plea, citing the seriousness of the allegations.

The investigation was transferred to the CBI after Twisha's family approached the Madhya Pradesh High Court, alleging deficiencies in the initial investigation and post-mortem examination. The High Court subsequently ordered a second post-mortem by a team from AIIMS, New Delhi, before handing over the probe to the central agency.

The case has also renewed attention on India's legal safeguards against dowry-related crimes. The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 criminalizes the giving, taking, or demanding of dowry. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 provides stringent punishment for dowry deaths, while laws addressing cruelty by a husband or his relatives and the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 offer additional legal remedies for victims. Courts may also invoke statutory presumptions in dowry death cases when legal conditions are satisfied, strengthening prosecution in appropriate cases.

While the investigation is nearing completion, the allegations remain under judicial scrutiny, and the guilt or innocence of the accused will be determined during the trial after the CBI files its chargesheet.